Homestead Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

The City of Homestead Public Service (HPS) provides drinking water to the city of Homestead in Miami-Dade County, Florida. The utility draws its supply from the Biscayne Aquifer, pumping from wells extending a few feet to approximately 200 feet below ground. Two primary wellfields serve the area, with water treated at city-managed facilities before distribution to residential and commercial customers throughout the municipal area.

The Biscayne Aquifer spans South Florida, fed by local rainfall and surface water infiltration within the regional watershed. The geology features limestone and coral formations from ancient marine environments, creating a highly porous aquifer that stores and transmits water efficiently. This karst landscape — with its soluble carbonate rocks — dissolves minerals into the groundwater, resulting in a moderately mineralised supply characteristic of the region. The aquifer's shallow nature makes it vulnerable to surface influences but also responsive to recharge.

At moderately hard levels, Homestead's water promotes scale buildup in pipes, water heaters, and dishwashers, reducing efficiency and lifespan. Laundry feels stiffer and soap lathering is less effective, requiring more detergent. Regular deliming and flushing and considering a whole-home softener are recommended to extend equipment life. The supply shows low fluoride (0.10 mg/L), sodium (6.0 mg/L), and non-detect iron/manganese; lead and copper remain below action levels (4 µg/L 90th percentile lead, 0.242 mg/L copper). The city reports 6 contaminants above EPA MCLGs, with treatment via standard groundwater disinfection processes, and a 2023 Source Water Assessment by Florida DEP evaluated system vulnerability.